Archives: June 2015

While the terms “bail” and “bond” are often used interchangeably and have the same effect, i.e. temporary freedom, they are actually quite different. When a suspect is arrested for a crime and booked into jail, they go before the judge who will then decide the terms and conditions of the suspect’s bail order. In some circumstances, such as when the suspect is considered a threat to society or a flight risk, bail can be denied. In most cases however, a suspect can be released from jail until the time of trial – as long as the suspect either pays a cash bail or a third party agrees to a bond; to be responsible for the debt or obligation of the suspect.

Cash Bail

Bail is the amount that the court demands be paid to secure a suspects release from jail on the understanding that the suspect will return for trial or forfeit the bail. For example, if the court sets your bail at $10,000, you have to pay the court $10,000 in order to get out of jail until your trial. If you do everything you are supposed to including show up for your hearing, that money is refunded (whether or not you are found innocent or guilty of the accused crime). If you do not show up for your hearing, the court keeps the money, a warrant is put out for your arrest and you could possibly be brought up on new criminal charges of failure to appear.

Bond (also known as a “Bail Bond“)

If the court sets your bail at $10,000 and you don’t have the cash, Ajua Bail Bonds would be happy to work out a payment arrangement that meets your needs. Bail bond companies like Ajua have good credit and the courts will allow you to get released on bail if we vouch for you and pay the bail monies with a guarantee that you return to court. In exchange you have to pay a percentage of the bail to us; the bail bond company. For example, we may secure your release and charge you $1,000 (10% of the bail amount). This allows you get out of jail until your trial, the court has an assurance that you won’t flee and we get $1,000. It’s a win, win, win that leaves everybody happy.

What if you Don’t Show up for your Court Date?

If you don’t show up for your court date after securing a bail bond, the bail bondsman will hire bounty hunters to look for you. Bounty hunters excel at their ability to track people down. The last place you want to find yourself is on the run with a bounty hunter in pursuit. If you do get a bail bond; don’t skip town. You will be on the run for the rest of your life. When you need a bail bond in the Central Valley, contact Ajua Bail Bonds. We are available 24/7 to assist you.

Did you now that Fresno is the fifth largest city in California? Whether you are a resident of the Central Valley or are here visiting the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Forestiere Underground Gardens or the Woodward Regional Park for example, if you get arrested in the San Joaquin Valley or the surrounding areas, Ajua Bail Bonds can help you or your loved ones get out of jail fast! We have prepared the following guide to help you understand just how the bail bonds process works.

What is a Bail Bond AKA Surety Bond?

A surety bond, more commonly known as a bail bond, is a legal contract between a state licensed bail agent and the signer or cosigners that guarantee a defendant will appear for scheduled court appearances and not skip bail. Essentially, if the defendant does fail to appear, the signers of the bail bond contract agree to pay the court the full amount of the bond.

If you are considering bailing a loved one out of jail, it is important that you know how the process works and understand your responsibilities. Our licensed bail bond agents at Ajua Bail Bonds can answer all of your questions. Just give us a call!

Purpose of the Bail System and Bond Approval

The function of the bail system is to guarantee the appearance of a criminal defendant in court. In order to approve a bail bond in California, one of our empathetic bail bond agents will collect certain information during a quick and easy interview.

What to Expect when Bailing a Loved One Out of Jail

When a loved one is arrested, the defendant, a relative or sometimes even a friend will contact a bail bond company like Ajua Bail Bonds. During the free phone consultation, we will collect basic information about the defendant’s situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bail bond. Some of the questions we ask include:
– What is the nature of the charges
– When were they arrested
– How long have you known the defendant
– Are you and/or the defendant employed
– How long have you and/or the defendant been employed at your current job
– Are you home owners

We will then begin the approval process. If you choose to move forward with a bail bond, basic documents will be processed and need to be signed. These include a bail bond application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. When you contract with Ajua Bail Bonds, the paperwork can be processed by e-mail or faxed in just a few minutes or if more convenient, a licensed agent can meet you at your location or the defendant at the jail. We offer mobile notary services for your convenience and ease.

Completing the Process – Getting your Loved One Released from Jail

After the paperwork is finalized, one of our licensed bail bond agents will file, or “post” the bond with the jail which will result in the release of the defendant although different jail facilities vary in the amount of time it takes to process the bond and release the detainee. From start to finish, we generally complete the paperwork and the posting process in 1-2 hours. For this service, our valued clients are charged a bail bond fee (generally 10% of the full bail amount, which is mandated by California state law).

What if the Defendant is not Bailed Out or Otherwise Released

If the defendant is not released or bailed out, they will typically remain in custody until arraignment and possibly even until the matter has been resolved in court. The benefit of being released on bail is that the defendant will have time, freedom and resources to obtain qualified legal services to defend their case.

Costs of a Bail Bond in California

In California like in most states, the cost of a bail bond is set by law and rates are not negotiable. The fee for California bail bonds is 10% of the bail and there are no taxes for a bond. For example, if the bail is set at $20,000 (which is average in the State of California) then the fee charged is $2000. Ajua Bail Bonds conveniently accepts all payment method options. Call us whenever you need fast and efficient bail bond services. Our friendly agents are standing by to assist you today!